Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson (born 24 February 1988 in Urmston) is a professional Association football with Manchester City F.C. and has made appearances at an international level with the England national under-19 football team.

Johnson signed for Manchester City in 2004. Prior to signing for them, Johnson was a schoolboy at Everton F.C.., and supported Leeds United A.F.C. as a youth.

He has represented England national football team at under-19 level.
In an interview, Joey Barton praises Johnson and says he will 'flourish'.

On 18 July reports suggested that Man City had opened talks of a new contract to keep the player at the club amidst speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool F.C

He scored his first goal for City in the 1-0 win over Derby County on 15 August 2007 at the City of Manchester Stadium.

He scored his second goal for Manchester City in the 1-0 home win against Aston Villa on 16 September 2007 by playing a one-two with teammate Elano to run through the Villa defence and score a neat finish in the bottom corner.

As well as being compared to Manchester City F.C. legend Colin Bell, Johnson's energetic, lung-busting runs and all-round midfield ability have drawn comparisons to current England midfielder Steven Gerrard.

Johnson Spent the latter part of December 2007 out with an abdominal injury, he would eventually return on the 29th of February 2008, playing the full 90 minutes in city's goal-less home draw with Wigan Athletic. Then City Manager Sven-Göran Eriksson would praise Johnsons return on the club's official website.

On 8 May reports suggested that Liverpool F.C., Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and Arsenal F.C. are after the £12m rated Johnson. The Daily Telegraph stated that John Smith sees him as the perfect replacement for the departing Mathieu Flamini and he fits in with Wenger's philosophy of buying young players and training them up in his style. Liverpool have been monitoring Johnson for some time but are thought to have made Gareth Barry their number 1 target. Johnson is stalling on a new contract despite only earning £12,000 a week due to the treatment of manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. On 15 July, new reports indicate David Moyes at Everton F.C. is renewing interest in signing the player to fill a gap in central midfield. This opportunity would allow Johnson to return to the club he played with at schoolboy level.

However, on 16 September, Johnson ended speculation of a move away from the Eastlands club after signing a five year contract which will keep him at Manchester City F.C. until 2013.